On Saturday, March 4th, and Sunday, March 5th, members of The Wayne County Militia deployed to Camp Stasa in Shiawassee County to finish up on some Level One qualifications, practice some fire and maneuver, become familiar with tracers after dark, and other things.

We have already decided that each training session will start with a two-mile maintenance march, with at least Level One gear. If you haven't yet completed the two-mile march portion of Level One, then this two mile march will be timed, and must be finished in less than 40 minutes.

I pulled in just after most of the crew had already started on their two-mile walk, grabbed my gear, and headed off after them. It would have been nice to warm up or even stretch a bit first, especially after a two-hour drive on those big, vibration-inducing mud tires, but circumstances do not always provide for optimum comfort...

Only one person needed this walk to qualify (other folks showed up later to do it..), but the rest of us went with him. It seems like a good way to kick off any training session.

The road had some mud on it, but for the most part, was nice and solid. The weather was perfect to walk in. Following this, we had to inspect someone for Level One gear (if he was short something, then the walk as just for exercise...).

Fortunately, he had everything, including an extensive first aid kit. Then it was time to break down his rifle. Be advised, if you have an SKS or AK type of weapon with a scope, you might throw off your zero if and when you break your rifle down. These types of scopes could present a problem regarding field maintenance....

Then, the fun part. most of us had done everything but the shooting in February at The Badlands, so we needed to shoot this day. After some sighting in and function checking, we were ready to shoot for record.

But first, for no reason other than that we are motivated to do these sort of things, we ran a quick squad-sized fire and maneuver exercise, from which we learned much.

One of the things that really stood out was the bright stock of someone's SKS. It looks pretty, but it is not tactical at all. (We have since been assured that this stock will be painted a darker, more tactical color.) Of course, we also saw the standard, highly visible faces and hands that we usually see. Next time, there will be face-paint and other whoo-haaa methods of camo more thoroughly employed.

Particularly constructive was that after the drill, members quickly pointed where better camo was needed on each other. This is how things are done.

Just as we finished up, another individual showed up for Level One, and he brought our friend Gustav with him. He also was the proud owner of a new rifle. So it was time for more gear inspection, and another walk.

When someone needs to do his/her two-mile walk, we always send someone along with them, even if that means some of us get to walk an extra mile or two. This builds character.

This is not an easy walk for everyone, but as I accompanied this person on his second leg, I saw some immensely inspiring effort and motivation.

If this display of hard-charging reflects the heart of each militia person, then we are truly in good hands. Anyway, he finished the walk in time.